Police officers arrested after suspect in human trafficking case escapes from custody

According to a report obtained by Citizen Digital, Jamal Ali was among 26 other suspects bundled into several police Land Cruisers and taken to Lodwar Police Station. 

Ali, who was seated in the front cabin between Sergeant Denis Ogutu and Police Constable Stephen Mutwiri, was keen on his surroundings as they approached the station. 

Shortly after the driver alighted from the car, the suspect sped off and ran towards the northern side of the station and hopped onto a standby motorcycle. 

Alarmed by the incident, the officers engaged the suspect in a speed chase, with other officers joining the fray in a bid to corner Ali. 

Their efforts, however, were curtailed as the suspect managed to evade their trail. 

Following the incident, Sergeant Ogutu and PC Mutwiri were arrested to determine if they collaborated with the escapee in what could be an inside job. Their mobile phones were also kept as exhibits. 

According to the report, the escapee was to face the charge of smuggling human beings contrary to section 53(P) of the Kenya Citizenship and Immigration Act. no. 12 of 2011. 

"Search is ongoing to re arrest the suspect at large," the report read in part. 

The incident brings to light concerns over recent events where suspects are able to escape from stations guarded by armed police officers. 

In August 2024, Collins Jumaisi, suspected of killing at least 42 women in the Kware massacre escaped from Gigiri Police Station and is still at large. 

Earlier in the year, Kevin Kang'ethe, a man accused of killing his girlfriend in Boston, escaped from police custody before being rearrested.